20th July in the life of Charles Cardinal Lavigerie

This is only a plan, and nothing will be decided before the month of September, after the retreat, which I wish to direct myself. All the Sisters without exception, apart from those who are necessary for the functioning of the hospital of the Attafs, must attend.

19th July in the life of Charles Cardinal Lavigerie

I am growing old. My feeble voice is hardly able to reach the end of the church. I am already a long way on the road to eternity. This is perhaps the last time that I shall speak to you. Yet today when my dear children, sons of the Catholic Belgium, who are leaving for the far-away Congo, come to offer to their father, who has become old, a final farewell while imploring his blessing, I cannot fail to satisfy their desire in this sanctuary of the African Virgin.